I bought an inReach EXPLORER+ when they first came out, and immediately saw the value in having a communication device that was more affordable, durable, and functional for navigation, messaging, and even getting weather forecasts. Satellite phones are expensive, their plans are expensive, and they don’t have any navigational functions. I spent a lot of years packing around an expensive satellite phone on sheep hunts and other backcountry trips, and I was glad to have more practical options. Before these devices became available, communication from no-service areas was mostly limited to satellite phones. Garmin first introduced their InReach in 2017 after acquiring DeLorme. Not long ago, satellite messaging was a new consumer technology. Communication type: Preset and custom text messages, location sharing, emergency SOS.Satellite messaging: Subscription based, Iridium network.Water resistance: 3 feet for 30 minutes.Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion, built-in.
Pairing: Smartphones (Garmin Explore app), more than 80 Garmin devices.Controls: On-unit scrolling, OK, and back buttons.Dimensions: 3.9 inches (H) x 2 inches (W) x 1.3 inches (D).We’d recommend trying Garmin and TomTom sat navs in store if you’re buying your first sat nav or thinking of swapping systems to see which you prefer.Check Price Garmin inReach MINI 2 Specs and Features Some Which? members have told us they have a preference for one system due to the style of the interface and mapping, though.
GARMIN 2018 MODELS INSTALL
We’ve found some that are tricky to install and set up, too. The lower-scoring models in our tests still perform well, but will often lack the smooth experience and premium features.
GARMIN 2018 MODELS BLUETOOTH
The best devices offer solid audio and visual instructions, as well as useful features such as built-in wi-fi or Bluetooth for hands-free calling. We’ve found plenty of models from both brands that do a great job of navigation, so it’s difficult to recommend one over the other. When it comes to sat navs, there are two big players - Garmin and TomTom. The two brands dominate the sat navs market, and it can be difficult to choose between them. Not found the product for you? Browse all of our sat nav reviews. Pricing, recommendations and test scores correct as of November 2021. If you’re not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access. Only logged-in Which? members can view our exclusive ratings and verdicts in the table below. Here, we round up our favourite Garmin models from our testing, including devices for any budget. These will often be cheaper than the newer models, but won’t have the same useful features. You’ll still find some older Garmin sat navs in shops, but they aren’t available to buy directly from Garmin.
GARMIN 2018 MODELS DRIVER
The latest additions to the series include driver awareness alerts, which will warn you of potential upcoming dangers such as sharp corners or level crossings, and Garmin Real Directions, which uses street view images to place recognisable landmarks on the screen. Garmin’s latest range of devices go from the Drive series – the most basic model – through to the premium DriveLuxe series.Īll of the models in the Drive range include free map updates for the lifetime of the device, and all but the basic Drive models include live traffic information. Garmin has four different sat nav ranges, plus sat nav apps for iPhones and Android, but choosing a Garmin sat nav needn’t be daunting.